Vale - Shane Tatham
It is with much sadness that I inform the Club’s members and friends of the passing of Shane Tatham on Saturday after a long battle with cancer. Our sympathies and thoughts are with Anne-Marie and his children, Nicole, Joshua, Oscar, Zachary and Maxwell.
Shane joined the Club in the late 90s and with his wife Anne–Maree introduced their four boys to sailing. Shane became a Club stalwart, using his plumbing skills he was instrumental in getting the club hot water in the change rooms, upgrading the water flow to the “old” Western Shed, installing gas to the deck for the Club’s BBQ, repairing the Woodford Bay shed’s pipe work and the list goes on.
However Shane’s skills were not limited to plumbing. He oversaw the installation of a new Colorbond roof on the “old” Western Shed, enlarged the access for our skiffs at the rear of the Club, spent many hours helping rebuild the slips, and was a member of the Maintenance Committee and Response Boat crew for many years. And anyone who enjoys the canteen’s air conditioning should thank Shane for his suggestion which was the genesis for it’s installation.
Shane took on the role of Off Water Captain in 2011 and helped organise the recladding of the Woodford Bay shed, restumping it’s piers, however his abilities to organise and make things happen was only exceeded by his ability to entertain and this was apparent at our Christmas function's each year when Santa (Shane) and Mrs Claus (Anne-Maree) would arrive by boat and entertain the children and adults with stories and songs, not always, in fact never on key.
Shane was not only generous with his time, but was also passionate about junior sailing and sailing in general at the club, so much so that he sponsored the 'Learn To Sail' Sabot "Dyson and Tatham".
Shane was always smiling, was quick with a laugh and any help and advice if needed, Shane had a larger than life personality that made everyone feel welcome, comfortable and special when in his presence.
He will be sorely missed by all of us but always remembered.
Rest In Peace mate.
Family Sailing on the Lane Cove River
Located on the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River, the Lane Cove 12 foot Sailing Skiff Club has been running dinghy races for over 100 years.
The Club caters for all ages of Sailors with our Learn to Sail Course graduating over 100 new sailors annually. We sail five classes of boats, Sabots for our Junior Sailors, Flying 11's, Cherubs, Lasers and our lead class the 12 ft Skiff.
The fun of competitive sailing at Lane Cove is only matched by the active and fun social program that the Club indulges itself in every year. Each Class hosts a dinner throughout the season with the competitive nature of the sailors spilling over to the dinner as each Class vies to outdo the last dinner. At least one social night is held each year. The end of year Presentation Night Dinner is a very heavily attended event for the whole Club to remember the season and enjoy various prizes and recognition. Finally every Saturday after racing all the sailors from the day, the Response Boat crews and other volunteers get together for cold a drink on the balcony and swap stories.
Lane Cove proudly operates as a 100% Volunteer Club. From our Committee Members, Canteen, Response Boat crews, Learn to Sail, Race Management everyone is there because of the shared love of sailing and being on the water. We even have our RUST Team, RUST standing for Retired Unemployed Services Team, who meet regularly at the Club to ensure the Sheds, equipment, and support boats are in good shape. We believe that this Volunteer spirit is one of the main reasons for the success that our Club enjoys!
Have a GO
Sailing is for people of all ages and abilities. At Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club we offer introductory courses for juniors and youth.
To find out more visit our Learn to Sail page.
